OPAQUE COMPOSITIONS AND PROCESSES FOR THESE

Abstract

OPAQUE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THESE The invention relates to opaque cleaning compositions substantially free of opacifying and pearlescent agents, and associated methods. The cleaning composition may comprise a synergistic combination of a surfactant system and one or more salts. The surfactant system may comprise a nonionic surfactant and two anionic surfactants, and the salt(s) may comprise a multivalent ion. In some examples, the cleaning composition is free of thickeners. Figure for abstract: None

Description

Title of the invention: OPAQUE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THESE

[0001] Cleaning compositions such as delicate wash compositions can be used for cleaning a variety of surfaces, including both animate and inanimate surfaces. Inanimate surfaces include hard surfaces of the type found in kitchens and bathrooms, from sinks and work surfaces to pots and pans. Such cleaning compositions can be formulated as solids, liquids, or gels, but are usually used in liquid form (e.g., an aqueous liquid). Cleaning compositions generally comprise one or more surfactants, which may be nonionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants.Surfactant(s) function as emulsifiers, foaming agents, detergents, solubilizing agents, and wetting agents in cleaning compositions. While it is traditional to include a mixture or combination of different surfactants in cleaning compositions, it is still difficult to predict what effect the combination of different surfactants may have due to the wide variation in the chemical structure of each individual surfactant. For example, complexes formed between chemically different surfactants can often result in compositions that may be unstable and / or form precipitates, making them undesirable for consumers.

[0002] Pearlescent or pearlescent agents are often used to provide opacity or a pearly appearance to compositions, such as personal care compositions, household care compositions, or the like. These compositions, however, often comprise a large number of diverse ingredients / components that interact with each other to provide a stable composition with desired functional and / or physical characteristics. The efficacy and compatibility of the various ingredients / components are often achieved through extensive research, time, and logistical effort.

[0003] What is needed, therefore, are improved compositions that are capable of providing sufficient opacity, viscosity and stability without the addition of pearlescent agents. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is simply intended to provide a simplified overview of certain aspects of one or more implementations of the present invention. Other areas The application of the present invention will become evident from the detailed description provided below. This summary is not a detailed overview, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of this teaching, nor to delimit the scope of the invention. Rather, its purpose is simply to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description below.

[0005] The aforementioned and / or other aspects and utilities incorporated in the present invention can be obtained by providing a surfactant system having one or more surfactants and one or more salts. The surfactant system and the salt(s) may be present in synergistic quantities to provide opacity and stability to the cleaning composition.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the cleaning composition may be substantially free of pearlescent and opacifying agents.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the cleaning composition may be substantially free of thickeners.

[0008] In at least one implementation, the surfactant(s) may include sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES).

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the surfactant(s) may comprise a linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS). The LAS may comprise a C10-13 alkylbenzenesulfonate. The LAS may comprise sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS).

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the surfactant(s) may comprise a combination of SLES and LAS. The cleaning composition may comprise a LAS to SLES ratio from approximately 0.5:1 to approximately 1.5:1, preferably from approximately 0.9:1 to approximately 1:1, more preferably than approximately 1:1.

[0011] In at least one implementation, the surfactant(s) may comprise one non-ionic surfactant and two anionic surfactants.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may comprise alkoxylated fatty alcohol-based nonionic surfactants. The nonionic surfactant may comprise higher aliphatic primary alcohols having approximately 9 to 15 carbon atoms. The nonionic surfactant may comprise NEODOL® 91-8 (CAS No. 68439-46-3).

[0013] In at least one implementation, the two anionic surfactants may include LAS and SLES.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the surfactant(s) may consist of the non-ionic surfactant and the two anionic surfactants.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the salt(s) may comprise one or more monovalent salts, a divalent salt or combinations thereof.

[0016] In at least one implementation, the salt(s) may comprise the divalent salt, preferably the divalent salt may comprise a calcium salt, more preferably the calcium salt may comprise calcium chloride.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the salt(s) may be present in an amount from more than 0% by weight to about 10% by weight, preferably from about 1% by weight to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, plus.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the surfactant(s) may comprise LAS, SLES, and NEODOL® 91-8 in a ratio of approximately 3:3:2 to approximately 2:2:1, respectively. The salt(s) may comprise calcium chloride, optionally in an amount from approximately 1% by weight to approximately 2% by weight.

[0019] The preceding and / or other aspects and utilities incorporated in the present invention can be obtained by providing a process for preparing any one of the cleaning compositions disclosed herein. The process may include contacting the surfactant system and the salt(s) with each other.

[0020] Other areas of application of the present invention will become evident from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating typical aspects of the invention, are intended solely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description of various typical aspect(s) is simply exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses.

[0022] As used throughout this invention, ranges are used as shorthand for the description of each and every value that is contained within the range. It should be appreciated and understood that the description in a range format is done so simply for convenience and brevity, and should not be interpreted as an inflexible limitation of the scope of any implementation or implementations disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosed range should be interpreted as having specifically disclosed all possible subranges as well as individual numeric values ​​within that range. Thus, any value within the range can be selected as the termination of the range. By way of example, the description of a range from 1 to 5 should be considered as having specifically subranges from 1.5 to 3, from 1 to 4.5, from 2 to 5, from 3.1 to 5, etc., as well as individual numbers within this range, for example 1, 2, 3, 3.2, 4, 5, etc. This is valid regardless of the extent of the range.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and quantities expressed here and elsewhere in the description shall be understood as referring to percentages by weight. The quantities given are based on the active weight of the material.

[0024] Furthermore, all numerical values ​​are "about" or "approximately" the stated value, and take into account experimental errors and variations that a person skilled in the art would expect. It should be understood that all numerical values ​​and ranges described herein are approximate values ​​and ranges if "about" is used in conjunction with them. It should also be understood that the term "about," as used herein, in conjunction with a figure denotes a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that figure, ±2% (inclusive) of that figure, ±3% (inclusive) of that figure, ±5% (inclusive) of that figure, ±10% (inclusive) of that figure, or ±15% (inclusive) of that figure. It should also be appreciated that when a numeric range is disclosed here, any numeric value within the range is also specifically described.

[0025] As used herein, "free" or "substantially free" of a material may refer to a composition, component or phase in which the material is present in an amount less than 10.0% by weight, less than 5.0% by weight, less than 3.0% by weight, less than 1.0% by weight, less than 0.1% by weight, less than 0.05% by weight, less than 0.01% by weight, less than 0.005% by weight, or less than 0.0001% by weight on a total weight basis of the composition, component or phase.

[0026] The present inventors have discovered, surprisingly and unexpectedly, that the combination of an anionic surfactant, namely sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), in an amount of approximately 2% to approximately 3% by weight, and calcium chloride in an amount of approximately 2% to approximately 3% by weight provides cleaning compositions with both sufficient opacity and stability. Specifically, SLES in an amount of approximately 2%, approximately 3%, and approximately 3% by weight, in combination with calcium chloride in an amount of approximately 3%, approximately 2%, and approximately 3% by weight, respectively, provides compositions having a combination of opacity or turbidity and stability (e.g., no phase separation or single phase) without pearlescent agents.

[0027] The present inventors also discovered, surprisingly and unexpectedly, that the combination of calcium chloride in an amount of approximately 1% by weight and a LAS:SLES:NEODOL ratio of approximately 2:2:1 provided the cleaning composition with sufficient or improved opacity, viscosity, and stability without pearlescent agents. It was further discovered, surprisingly and unexpectedly, the addition of various fragrances in combination with approximately 1% by weight of calcium chloride and a LAS:SLES:NEODOL ratio of approximately 2:2:1 does not affect the opacity, viscosity and stability of the cleaning composition.

[0028] The present inventors have further discovered, surprisingly and unexpectedly, that the critical micellar concentration (CMC) decreases with the addition of the respective electrolytes for the surfactant system disclosed herein, which comprises a ratio of a first anionic surfactant to a second anionic surfactant to a nonionic surfactant (anionic:anionic:nonionic) of approximately 2:2:1. It has further been discovered, surprisingly and unexpectedly, that a divalent electrolyte or salt, such as calcium chloride, can be used alone to provide both opacity and viscosity to the surfactant system without pearlescent agents.

[0029] The compositions disclosed herein may be or may include a cleaning composition, a cleaning product, and / or a cleaning product incorporating the cleaning composition. As used herein, a "cleaning composition" may mean any composition that may be used for cleaning a substrate or a surface thereof. A "surface" may mean the surface of an appliance, device, or the like. The surface may include hard surfaces, such as the surface of countertops, sinks, cabinets, walls, appliances (e.g., kitchen appliances, bathroom appliances, etc.), devices (e.g., sinks, toilets, bathtubs, tiles, shower curtains, doors, etc.), or the like, or combinations thereof.The term "surface" may also include the surface of wood or glass, floors, utensils or tableware, furniture, textiles or fabrics (e.g., clothing, rugs or carpets, fabrics, bedding, leather, etc.), sponges, mops or the like, or combinations thereof. The term "surface" may also include polymer surfaces, fibrous surfaces, and surfaces of objects made from natural or synthetic materials (e.g., protective equipment, sports equipment, etc.).Therefore, this cleaning composition may form part of, be incorporated into, and / or be used in a cleaning product, such as a hard surface cleaner, a spray cleaner, a floor cleaner, a microwave oven cleaner, a stove cleaner, an oven cleaner, or similar products, or combinations thereof. The cleaning product may be, or include, but is not limited to, consumer product fluids, such as dishwashing liquids, surface cleaners, or similar products.

[0030] The cleaning composition disclosed herein may comprise a surfactant system and one or more electrolytes or salts. As further described herein, the surfactant system The electrolyte(s) can interact synergistically to provide sufficient or improved opacity, viscosity, and / or stability to the cleaning composition. The surfactant system and the electrolyte(s) can provide sufficient or improved opacity, viscosity, and / or stability to the cleaning composition without any opacifying or pearlescent agents. For example, the cleaning composition may be free or substantially free of opacifying or pearlescent agents. As used here, the term or expression "stability" may refer to a composition having or maintaining a single phase (e.g., no phase separation) and / or a composition with no precipitates.The stability of a composition can be determined with or without exposure of the composition to one or more aging conditions, such as exposure of the composition to UV radiation or sunlight, at high temperatures (e.g., > 60°C or about 63°C), or similar conditions, for prolonged periods of time (e.g., > 1 day, > 2 days, > 3 days, etc.).

[0031] The cleaning product or its cleaning composition may include a surfactant system comprising one or more surfactants. These surfactants may be, or may include, anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the surfactant system may include at least one anionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant system includes at least two anionic surfactants and one nonionic surfactant. By way of example, the surfactant system may include a first anionic surfactant, a second anionic surfactant, and a nonionic surfactant. In another example, the surfactant system may consist of, or is essentially composed of, the first and second anionic surfactants and the nonionic surfactant.As an example, the surfactant system may consist of, or is essentially composed of, surfactants capable of interacting synergistically with the electrolyte(s) to provide sufficient opacity, viscosity and / or stability without pearlescent agents.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the surfactant system may comprise at least one nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant may be, or may comprise, one or more alkoxylated nonionic surfactants, such as ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic surfactants. The alkoxylated surfactants may be selected from the classes of nonionic alkylphenol condensates, nonionic ethoxylated alcohols, nonionic ethoxylated / propoxylated fatty alcohols, nonionic ethoxylated / propoxylated condensates with propylene glycol, and nonionic ethoxylated condensation products with propylene glycol / ethylenediamine oxide adducts. Nonionic surfactants by way of illustration may This includes, but is not limited to, water-soluble nonionic surfactants such as primary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, secondary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, and ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensates on primary alkanols, or analogs thereof, or mixtures thereof. For example, nonionic surfactants may be or include PLURAFAC®, commercially available from BASF Corp. of Florham Park, NJ. As another example, nonionic surfactants may be or include ethylene oxide condensates with sorbitan fatty acid esters such as those available under the various trade names TWEEN®, commercially available from ICI Surfactants of New York, NY.The nonionic surfactant in the cleaning composition may also be or include a higher C9-15 aliphatic primary alcohol (containing about 9 to 15 carbon atoms), such as a C9-C11 alkanol condensed with 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide. For example, the nonionic surfactant may be a reaction product (e.g., a condensation product) of C9-C11 alkanol and 2.5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide, of C12-13 alkanol and 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide, of C12-15 alkanol and 12 moles of ethylene oxide, of C14-15 alkanol with 13 moles of ethylene oxide, of C9-C11 alkanol and about 7.5 to 8.1 moles of ethylene oxide, or analogues, or combinations thereof.For example, nonionic surfactants may be, or may include, but are not limited to, alkoxylated fatty alcohol-based nonionic surfactants marketed under the name NEODOL® or DOBANOL®, which are commercially available from Shell Chemical Company of Houston, Texas. For example, nonionic surfactants may be, or may include, but are not limited to, NEODOL® 91-2.5, 91-5, 91-6, 91-8, or 91-8.4, NEODOL® 23-6.5, NEODOL® 25-12, NEODOL® 45-13, NEODOL® 135, NEODOL® 67, NEODOL® 23-9, NEODOL® 25-3, or similar products, or combinations thereof. In a preferred implementation, nonionic surfactants include NEODOL® 91-8 (CAS No. 66455-17-2). As an example, nonionic surfactants may include a combination of ethylene oxide (CAS: 75-21-8) and C9-C11 alcohol ethoxylates (CAS No. 68439-46-3).

[0033] The quantity or concentration of any one or more of the nonionic surfactants in the surfactant system or cleaning composition may be varied to increase and / or decrease the opacity, stability, and / or viscosity of the cleaning composition. Any one or more of the nonionic surfactants may be present in the surfactant system or cleaning composition in an amount from approximately 0.2% by weight to approximately 1% by weight. based on the total weight of the surfactant system or cleaning composition, respectively. By way of example, any one or more of the nonionic surfactants may be present in the surfactant system or cleaning composition in an amount from about 0.4% by weight to about 0.6% by weight, about 0.7% by weight, about 0.8% by weight, about 0.9% by weight, or about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the surfactant system or cleaning composition. In another example, any one or more of the nonionic surfactants may be present in the surfactant system or cleaning composition in an amount from about 0.4% by weight, about 0.6% by weight, about 0.7% by weight, about 0.8% by weight, or about 0.9% by weight and about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the surfactant system or cleaning composition.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the surfactant system may comprise at least one anionic surfactant. The surfactant system may, for example, comprise a single anionic surfactant. In another example, the surfactant system may comprise two or more anionic surfactants, such as a synergistic combination of two anionic surfactants.

[0035] The anionic surfactant may include, but is not limited to, one or more alkylsulfonates. By way of example, the anionic surfactant may include linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS) or a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (LABSA), such as a linear magnesium alkylbenzenesulfonate, a linear sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, or analogs thereof, or combinations thereof. The LAS may be formed by the sulfonation of a linear alkylbenzene. The LAS may have a higher content of 3-phenyl or higher isomers, and a corresponding lower content (< 50%) of 2-phenyl or lower isomers. By way of example, the LAS may have more species or isomers in which the benzene ring is bonded or attached at position 3 or higher than at position 2 or lower.As an example, the LAS may have more species or isomers where the benzene ring can be bonded at position 3, position 4, position 5, position 6, position 7, and / or higher of the alkyl group, and fewer isomers where the benzene ring can be bonded at position 2 and / or position 1. The LAS may include, but is not limited to, alkylbenzenesulfonates in CIO-13. In a preferred implementation, the LAS may be sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS).

[0036] The anionic surfactant may also include, but is not limited to, sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), also referred to as sodium laureth sulfate. In at least one embodiment, the sodium lauryl ether sulfate may have an average of about 1 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole. In another In implementation, sodium lauryl ether sulfate can have an average of about 2 to about 3 moles of ethylene oxide per mole.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactants of the surfactant system comprise a combination of LAS and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). The weight, ratio, or molar amounts of LAS to SLES can be varied to increase and / or decrease the opacity, stability, and / or viscosity of the cleaning compositions. The surfactant system may have a weight or molar ratio of LAS to SLES ranging from approximately 0.5:1 to approximately 1.5:1. As an example, the surfactant system may have a LAS / SLES weight or molar ratio of about 0.5:1, about 0.6:1, about 0.7:1, about 0.8:1, about 0.9:1, about 1:1, about 1.1:1, about 1.2:1, about 1.3:1, about 1.4:1, or about 1.5:1.In another example, the surfactant system may have a weight or molar ratio of LAS to SLES from about 0.5:1, about 0.6:1, about 0.7:1, about 0.8:1, or about 0.9:1 to about 1:1, about 1.1:1, about 1.2:1, about 1.3:1, about 1.4:1, or about 1.5:1. In a preferred implementation, the surfactant system comprises LAS and SLES in a weight ratio from about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1, preferably from about 0.9:1 to about 1.1:1, more preferably from about 1:1 (2:2).

[0038] The quantity or concentration of any one or more of the anionic surfactants in the surfactant system or cleaning composition may be varied to increase and / or decrease the opacity, stability, and / or viscosity of the cleaning composition. Any one or more of the anionic surfactants may be present in the surfactant system or cleaning composition in an amount from approximately 0.6% by weight to approximately 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the surfactant system or cleaning composition, respectively.For example, any one or more of the anionic surfactants may be present in the surfactant system or cleaning composition in an amount from about 0.6% by weight to about 0.8% by weight, about 1% by weight, about 1.2% by weight, about 1.4% by weight, about 1.6% by weight, about 1.8% by weight, about 2% by weight, about 2.2% by weight, about 2.4% by weight, about 2.6% by weight, about 2.8% by weight, about 3% by weight, on a total weight basis of the surfactant system or cleaning composition, respectively.In another example, any one or more of the anionic surfactants may be present in the surfactant system or cleaning composition in an amount from about 0.6% by weight, about 0.8% by weight, about 1% by weight, about 1.2% by weight, about 1.4% by weight, about 1.6% by weight, about 1.8% by weight, about 2% by weight, about 2.2% by weight, about 2.4% by weight, about . 2.6% by weight, approximately 2.8% by weight, approximately 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the surfactant system or the cleaning composition, respectively.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant system comprises a combination of one or more anionic surfactants and one or more nonionic surfactants. By way of example, the surfactant system may comprise at least one nonionic surfactant and at least two anionic surfactants. In one example embodiment, the surfactant system comprises a synergistic combination of LAS, SLES, and a nonionic alkoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant, such as a reaction product (e.g., a condensation product) of a C9-C11 alkanool and approximately 7.5 to 8.1 moles of ethylene oxide (e.g., NEODOL®). In another example, the surfactant system consists of, or is essentially made up of, a synergistic combination of LAS, SLES and a nonionic alkoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant, such as a reaction product (e.g., a condensation product) of C9-C11 alkanol and about 7.5 to 8.1 moles of ethylene oxide (e.g., NEODOL®).As further demonstrated here, the synergistic combination provides sufficient or improved opacity, viscosity and / or stability to the cleaning composition without any opacifying or pearlescent agent.

[0040] The combination of LAS, SLES, and the alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant, such as the reaction product (e.g., a condensation product) of a C9-C11 alkanool and approximately 7.5 to 8.1 moles of ethylene oxide (e.g., NEODOL®), may be present in a weight or mole ratio sufficient to increase the opacity, stability, and / or viscosity of the cleaning composition. In at least one embodiment, the LAS, SLES, and the alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant are present in a weight ratio of approximately 2:2:1. The surfactant system may, for example, comprise any of the anionic surfactants and the nonionic surfactant in a weight ratio from approximately 1.5:1 to approximately 2.5:1.As an example, the surfactant system may comprise any of the anionic surfactants and the nonionic surfactant in a weight ratio of about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1, about 1.7:1, about 1.8:1, about 1.9:1, about 2:1, about 2.1:1, about 2.2:1, about 2.3:1, about 2.4:1, or about 2.5:1. In another example, the surfactant system may comprise any one of the anionic surfactants and the nonionic surfactant in a weight ratio of approximately 1.5:1, approximately 1.6:1, approximately 1.7:1, approximately 1.8:1, approximately 1.9:1, approximately 2:1, approximately 2.1:1, approximately 2.2:1, approximately 2.3:1, approximately 2.4:1, or approximately 2.5:1. In a preferred implementation, the surfactant system comprises a LAS, an SLES, and the alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant in a weight ratio of approximately 2 to approximately 2 to approximately 1 (approximately 2:2:1).

[0041] The cleaning product or its cleaning composition may comprise one or more electrolytes or salts capable or configured to interact synergistically with the surfactant system and / or the surfactant(s) thereof to provide sufficient or improved opacity, viscosity, and / or stability to the cleaning composition. These electrolytes may be, or may include, but are not limited to, a monovalent salt, a multivalent salt, such as a divalent salt, or combinations thereof. Monovalent salts, by way of illustration, may be, or may include, but are not limited to, any alkali metal or ammonium salt containing monovalent anions, such as chloride, nitrate, or sodium chloride. By way of example, the monovalent salt may be, or may include, sodium chloride, sodium salicylate, or similar compounds, or combinations thereof.Multivalent salts, by way of illustration, may be or include, but are not limited to, calcium salts, magnesium salts, strontium salts, barium salts, copper salts, zinc salts, manganese salts, or similar compounds, or combinations thereof, where the counterions may be halides (e.g., fluoride, chloride, bromide); a carbonate; a hydroxide; carboxylates (e.g., formate, acetate, etc.); a nitrate; a sulfate; a phosphate; or similar compounds, or combinations thereof. In a preferred implementation, the electrolyte(s) include a divalent salt. For example, the electrolyte(s) include calcium chloride.

[0042] The electrolyte(s) may be present in sufficient quantity to interact synergistically with the surfactant system and / or its surfactant(s) to provide sufficient or improved opacity, viscosity, and / or stability to the cleaning composition. In at least one embodiment, the electrolyte(s) are present in an amount ranging from more than 0% by weight to approximately 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. As an example, the electrolyte(s) may be present in an amount greater than 0% by weight, approximately 1% by weight, approximately 2% by weight, approximately 3% by weight, approximately 4% by weight, approximately 5% by weight, approximately 6% by weight, approximately 7% by weight, approximately 8% by weight, approximately 9% by weight, or approximately 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.In another example, the electrolyte(s) may be present in an amount ranging from more than 0% by weight to about 5% by weight, from about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight, or about 2% by weight. In a preferred implementation, the electrolyte(s) include calcium chloride in an amount ranging from more than 0% by weight to about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 0.2% by weight to about 1% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 1% by weight, from about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight, or about 2% by weight. The amount of the electrolyte(s) may be present in a... sufficient quantity to provide adequate opacity while also providing increased viscosity.

[0043] The cleaning composition may further include one or more additional ingredients or components. The additional ingredients / components may be, or may include, but are not limited to, any or more fragrances, essential oils, water, emulsifying agents, thickeners, colorants, natural actives, therapeutic actives, antimicrobial agents, natural extracts, pH-modifying agents (e.g., acids, bases, and / or buffers), pearlescent agents, opacifying agents, colorants, preservatives or the like, or any mixture thereof. It should be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition is free or substantially free of pearlescent and opacifying agents.Examples of pearlescent and opacifying agents may include, but are not limited to, ACUSOL™ OP305 Opacifier, Euperlan® PK 3000AM, Plantatex® HCC, Lamesoft® TM Benz, or similar products, or combinations thereof.

[0044] The water in the cleaning composition may be deionized water, demineralized water, and / or softened water. Water may be an additional component of the cleaning composition. For example, the amount of water in the cleaning composition may range from approximately 10% by weight to 98% by weight, from approximately 40% by weight to approximately 95% by weight, or from approximately 60% by weight to approximately 90% by weight. In another example, the amount of water in the cleaning composition may be at least 60% by weight, at least 70% by weight, at least 75% by weight, at least 80% by weight, at least 85% by weight, at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight, at least 98% by weight, or higher. The amount of water in the cleaning composition may include free water added and water introduced with other components or materials of the cleaning composition.For example, the amount of water in the cleaning composition may include free water and water associated with surfactants or any other component of the cleaning composition.

[0045] The cleaning composition may be free or substantially free of conventional thickeners. Thickeners by way of illustration may be or may include, but are not limited to, Primai™ AC 2337, Acusol™ 820, NO. 2 ACRYLIC WATER EMULSION, or similar products, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the cleaning composition may include one or more acids, one or more bases, and / or one or more buffers or buffering agents configured to adjust or control the pH of the cleaning composition. The acid(s), base(s), and / or buffer(s) may, separately and independently, be present in an amount from more than 0% by weight to less than or equal to about 10% by weight, less than or equal to about 8% by weight, less than or equal to about 6% by weight, less than or equal to about 4% by weight, less than or equal to about 2% by weight, less than or equal to about 1% by weight, less than or equal to about 0.6% by weight, less than or equal to about 0.5% by weight, less than or equal to about 0.4% by weight, based on a total weight of the cleaning composition.The bases by way of illustration may include, but are not limited to, ammonia; mono-, di- and tri-alkyl amines; mono-, di- and tri-alkanolamine amines; alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, triethylamine, isopropanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or analogues, or combinations thereof. Examples of acids may include, but are not limited to, mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoic acid and sulfuric acid, polycarboxylic and / or organic acids such as citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, carbonic acid, taurine or analogues, or combinations thereof.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition comprises at least one organic acid, such as lactic acid, present in an amount from more than 1% by weight to about 6% by weight, from about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight, from about 1% by weight to about 2% by weight, or about 1.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. It should be appreciated that, in addition to modifying the pH of the personal care composition, lactic acid may also provide one or more additional benefits to the cleaning composition. By way of example, lactic acid may serve as a descaling agent, a soap defoaming agent, an antibacterial agent, or combinations thereof. Lactic acid is also a natural ingredient.It should also be noted that the combination of lactic acid and surfactant can act synergistically to provide broad-spectrum antibacterial properties.

[0048] The cleaning composition may include one or more fragrances or perfumes. As used herein, the term "fragrance" or "perfume" may be used in its ordinary sense to designate and include any odorous substance or mixture of substances, whether soluble or insoluble in water, including natural fragrances (e.g., obtained by extraction from flowers, herbs, blooms, or plants), artificial fragrances (e.g., mixtures of natural oils or oil constituents), synthetically produced fragrances or odoriferous substances, or combinations thereof. The fragrances may be, or may include, fragrances free, encapsulated fragrances or their mixture. Fragrances by way of illustration may be or may include, but are not limited to, Dazzling Deodarome 469871, Brightday Deodorame 469872 D, Fresh Dew Moc 289785 F, Brightday Deodorame 469872 D, Nicky CP 225048 B, Sphery Bloom Lif Eco EAI 63028 / 00, Fancy lemon, Marengo Cov, Citrusfruits Neodol Perfume, Sphery Bloom (29310), Andelicia Mod (29360), Cicada 44, Odessa Mod (29338), Doctor Citrus Haloscent 290918 F, Eutopia 362, Modernlavander H. 288497 BT, Pine Oil NO. 2, Cizestopure Opt (29473), Nickynature Mod (29468), or combinations thereof.

[0049] The cleaning composition may include the fragrance(s) in an amount from more than 0% by weight to approximately 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In a preferred embodiment, the fragrance(s) may be present in an amount from approximately 0.48% by weight to approximately 0.75% by weight or from approximately 0.39% by weight to approximately 0.55% by weight.

[0050] The present invention may provide methods for preparing any one or more of the cleaning compositions disclosed herein. The method may include mixing, stirring, combining, or otherwise contacting the surfactant system, the electrolyte(s), additional components, or combinations thereof to prepare the cleaning composition. The method may not include combining or contacting any pearlescent or opacifying agent to prepare the cleaning composition.

[0051] The present invention can also provide methods for cleaning a surface or substrate. The method may include contacting the substrate with any one of the compositions disclosed herein. EXAMPLES

[0052] The examples and other implementations described herein are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the description of the entire scope of the compositions and processes of the present invention. Equivalent changes, modifications, and variations of specific implementations, materials, compositions, and processes may be made within the scope of the present invention, with substantially similar results. Example 1

[0053] Exemplary cleaning compositions comprising varying amounts of at least one salt and a surfactant system comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and / or at least one anionic surfactant were prepared to evaluate the ability to achieve sufficient opacification and / or viscosity without an opacifying agent (e.g., pearlescent agent). Specifically, 81 cleaning compositions Samples were prepared by combining the surfactant and the electrolyte or salt in the quantities shown in Table 1, with water added to make up the difference. The total weight of each cleaning composition was approximately 200 grams.

[0054] After preparing the cleaning compositions, opacity and stability were visually assessed. The cleaning compositions were left to age for approximately 10 minutes, 60 minutes, 24 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks to observe stability.

[0055] [Tables] Surfactant 1,2,3 Concentration (% by weight) Electrolyte Concentration (% by weight) Opacity Stability NEODOL 1% MgSO4 1% Transparent One phase NEODOL 1% MgSO4 2% Transparent One phase NEODOL 1% MgSO4 3% Transparent One phase NEODOL 2% MgSO4 1% Transparent One phase NEODOL 2% MgSO4 2% Transparent One phase NEODOL 2% MgSO4 3% Transparent One phase NEODOL 3% MgSO4 1% Transparent One phase NEODOL 3% MgSO4 2% Transparent One phase NEODOL 3% MgSO4 3% Transparent One phase SLES 1% MgSO4 1% Transparent One phase SLES 1% MgSO4 2% Transparent One phase SLES 1% MgSO4 3% Transparent One phase SLES 2% MgSO4 1% Transparent One phase SLES 2% MgSO4 2% Transparent One phase SLES 2% MgSO4 3% Transparent One phase SLES 3% MgSO4 1% Transparent One phase SLES 3% MgSO4 2% Transparent One phase SLES 3% MgSO4 3% Transparent One phase LABSA 1% MgSO4 1% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 1% MgSO4 2% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 1% MgSO4 3% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 2% MgSO4 1% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 2% MgSO4 2% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 2% MgSO4 3% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 3% MgSO4 1% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 3% MgSO4 2% Transparent Sedimentation LABSA 3% MgSO4 3% Transparent Sedimentation NEODOL 1% CaCl2 1% Transparent Sedimentation NEODOL 1 % CaCl2 2% Transpare nt Sedimentation NEODOL 1 % CaCl2 3 % Transpare nt Sedimentation NEODOL 2% CaCl2 1 % Transpare nt Sedimentation NEODOL 2% CaCl2 2% Transparent Sedimentation of NEODOL 2% CaCl2 3 % Transparent Sedimentation of NEODOL 3 % CaCl2 1 % Transparent Sedimentation of NEODOL 3% CaCl2 2% Transparent Sedimentation of NEODOL 3% CaCl2 CaCl2 3 % Transparent Sedimentation in SLES 1 % CaCl2 1 % Transparent Sedimentation in SLES 1 % CaCl2 2% Transparent Sedimentation in SLES 1 % CaCl2 3 % Transparent Sedimentation in SLES 2 % Transparent CaCl2 nt Sedimentation in SLES 2% CaCl2 2% Transparent nt Sedimentation in SLES 2% CaCl2 3 % Opaque One phase SLES 3% CaCl2 1 % Transparent nt Sedimentation in SLES 3% CaCl2 2% Opaque One phase 2% CaCl2 Opaque One phase LABSA 1% CaCl2 1% Transparent LABSA Sedimentation 1% CaCl2 2% Transparent LABSA Sedimentation 1% CaCl2 3 % Transparent LABSA Sedimentation 2% CaCl2 1% Transparency Sedimentation LABSA 2% CaCl2 2% Transpare nt Sedimentatio n LABSA 2% CaCl2 3 % Transpare nt Sedimentatio n LABSA 3 % CaCl2 1 % Transpare nt Sedimentatio n LABSA 3 % CaCl2 2% Transpare nt Sedimentatio n LABSA 3 % CaCl2 3 % Transpare nt Sedimentatio n NEODOL 1 % NaCl 1 % Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 1 % NaCl 2% Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 1 % NaCl 3 % Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 2% NaCl 1 % Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 2% NaCl 2% Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 2% NaCl 3 % Transparent nt Une phase NEODOL 3 % NaCl 1 % Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 3 % NaCl 2% Transpare nt Une phase NEODOL 3 % NaCl 3 % Transpare nt Une phase SLES 1 % NaCl 1 % Transpare nt Une phase SLES 1 % NaCl 2% Transpare nt Une phase SLES 1% NaCl 3% Transparent One phase SLES 2% NaCl 1% Transparent One phase SLES 2% NaCl 2% Transparent One phase SLES 2% NaCl 3% Transparent One phase SLES 3% NaCl 1% Transparent One phase SLES 3% NaCl 2% Transparent One phase SLES 3% NaCl 3% Transparent A LABSA phase 1% NaCl 1% Transparent A LABSA phase 1% NaCl 2% Transparent A LABSA phase 1% NaCl 3% Transparent A LABSA phase 2% NaCl 1% Transparent A LABSA phase 2% NaCl 2% Transparent A LABSA phase 2% NaCl 3% Transparent A LABSA phase 3% NaCl 1% Transparent One phase LABSA 3% NaCl 2% Transparent One phase LABSA 3% LABSA 3% Transparent One phase

[0056] 'NEODOL®: Non-ionic surfactant based on alkoxylated fatty alcohol commercially available from Shell Chemical Company of Houston, Texas

[0057] 2SLES: Anionic surfactant, sodium lauryl ether sulfate (sodium laureth sulfate)

[0058] 3LABSA: Anionic surfactant, linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (linear alkylbenzenesulfonate)

[0059] As shown in Table 2, it was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the combination of SLES and calcium chloride provided compositions with both sufficient opacity and stability. Specifically, SLES (approximately 26%) in amounts of approximately 2 wt%, approximately 3 wt%, and approximately 3 wt%, in combination with calcium chloride in amounts of approximately 3 wt%, approximately 2 wt%, and approximately 3 wt%, respectively, provided compositions having a combination of opacity or turbidity and stability with a single phase (e.g., no phase separation and / or sedimentation). It was observed that magnesium sulfate, while a divalent, was not capable of preparing an opaque composition. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that the anion was a key element in the system and a key element for opacity.As an example, the arrangement of ions depends at least partially on the anion; as such, the charge and / or molecular size of the anion can contribute to opacity. Example 2

[0060] As indicated above, the combination of SLES and calcium chloride provides both opacity and stability. Based on the results of Example 1, additional cleaning compositions were prepared with relatively higher concentrations of SLES and varying concentrations of calcium chloride. In particular, a 26 wt% SLES solution was prepared and combined with calcium chloride as shown in Table 2. The results are summarized in Table 2.

[0061] [Tables2] Electrolyte % SLES (26% purity) 2% 3% CaCl2 2% 2 phases Phase separation Unstable High opacity High viscosity 3% High opacity High viscosity High opacity High viscosity Example 3

[0062] Based on Examples 1 and 2, it was proposed that a surfactant mixture comprising LABSA and SLES in a ratio of approximately 1:1 would provide sufficient interactions between the surfactant and the electrolyte. Changing the surfactant ratios compromised opacity and viscosity, and the stability of the formula was also a factor in choosing this specific ratio. In particular, it was proposed that LAS:SLES:NEODOL ratios of approximately 3:3:2 and approximately 2:2:1 could provide sufficient interactions between the surfactant system and the electrolyte, calcium chloride. Accordingly, additional cleaning compositions were prepared according to Table 3. Table 3 - Variable ratio LAS:SLES:NEODOL

[0063] [Tables3 Electrolyte Ratio % by weight LAS SLES NEODOL CaCl2 1-2 3 3 2 2 2 1

[0064] It was observed that the LAS:SLES:NEODOL ratio of approximately 3:3:2 exhibited phase separation when aged in sunlight at approximately 63°C for about 72 hours. It was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the combination of calcium chloride in an amount of approximately 1% by weight and a LAS:SLES:NEODOL ratio of approximately 2:2:1 provided sufficient opacity, viscosity, and stability. It was also surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the addition of various fragrances in combination with approximately 1% by weight of calcium chloride and a LAS:SLES:NEODOL ratio of approximately 2:2:1 did not affect the opacity, viscosity, or stability of the cleaning composition. Example 4

[0065] Exemplary cleaning compositions comprising a LAS:SLES:NEODOL weight ratio of approximately 2:2:1 and either calcium chloride (a divalent salt) or sodium chloride (a monovalent salt) were prepared. The amount of the electrolyte, either calcium chloride or sodium chloride, was varied from approximately 0% by weight to approximately 10% by weight. Each of the cleaning compositions was prepared by combining the components according to Table 4.

[0066] [Tables4] INGREDIENTS % by weight Water Supplement 38% caustic soda Na2O 0.58 LABSA 2.0 SLES 2.0 Lactic acid - 88% 1.2 NEODOL 1.0 Fragrance 0.63 Electrolyte 0-10 Total 100

[0067] The conductance of each of the cleaning compositions was measured using a digital conductivity meter. It should be noted that the lowest conductivity reflects the maximum opacity, but is not equal to the conductivity. The conductance of each of the cleaning compositions is summarized in Table 5.

[0068] [Tables5] CaCl2 NaCl Concentration (% by weight) Conductivity (pS / cm) Viscosity (cP) Conductivity (pS / cm) Viscosity (cP) 0 4924.93 N / A 4941.17 N / A 0.5 10 067.50 9.60 12 018.50 11.20 0.8 311.11 22.40 15 199.70 16.00 0.9 285.94 28.80 12 742.20 12.00 1 410.62 75.00 17 123.40 19.20 2 181.19 28.80 396.40 18.40 3 261.38 26.40 HP* 299.98 15.20

[0069] *HP: Off-Beach

[0070] It has been observed that conductivity and electrolyte concentration do not exhibit a linear relationship. However, it was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that significant opacity was observed when relatively low conductivity was measured. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that a surfactant system comprising an anionic-to-nonionic (anionic:anionic-monionic) surfactant ratio of approximately 2:2:1, with a calcium chloride concentration of approximately 1 wt% to approximately 2 wt%, provides sufficient opacity. It has further been observed that viscosity increases directly with increasing electrolyte concentration, which has been attributed to the interaction between the electrolyte and the anionic surfactant such as SLES.

[0071] As illustrated in Table 5, sodium chloride at concentrations from approximately 3 wt% to approximately 5 wt% provides adequate opacity in the surfactant system. It was further observed that the interactions between the monovalent salt, sodium chloride, and the anionic surfactant, SLES, were not directly related to viscosity.

[0072] Based on the above, it was surprisingly discovered that the critical micellar concentration (CMC) decreases with the addition of the respective electrolytes for the surfactant system, including a ratio of an anionic surfactant to an anionic surfactant to a nonionic surfactant (anionic:anionic monionic) of about 2:2:1. It was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the electrolyte alone could be used to provide both opacity and viscosity to the surfactant system.

[0073] The present invention has been described with reference to exemplary implementations. Although a limited number of implementations have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes can be made to these implementations without departing from the principles and spirit of the foregoing detailed description. The present invention is intended to be regarded as encompassing all such modifications and alterations insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

Demands

1. Cleaning composition, comprising: - a surfactant system comprising one or more surfactants; and - one or more salts, wherein the surfactant system and the salt(s) are present in synergistic amounts to provide opacity and stability to the cleaning composition, wherein the salt(s) are present in an amount from more than 0% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition; and wherein the surfactant system comprises one or more surfactants comprising sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), in an amount from 2% by weight to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

2. Cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning composition comprises less than 10.0% by weight of pearlescent and opacifying agents, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

3. Cleaning composition according to claim 1 or according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning composition comprises less than 10.0% by weight of thickeners, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

4. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant(s) comprise a linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS), preferably the LAS comprises a CIO-13 alkylbenzenesulfonate, more preferably the LAS comprises sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS).

5. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant(s) comprise a combination of SLES and LAS, and wherein the cleaning composition comprises a ratio of LAS to SLES from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, preferably from about 0.9:1 to about 1:1, more preferably from about 1:

1.

6. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant(s) comprise one non-ionic surfactant and two anionic surfactants.

7. Cleaning composition according to claim 6, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises nonionic surfactants of alkoxylated fatty alcohol, preferably higher aliphatic primary alcohols having about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably the nonionic surfactant includes NEODOL® 91-8 (CAS No. 68439-46-3).

8. Cleaning composition according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the two anionic surfactants comprise LAS and SLES.

9. Cleaning composition according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the surfactant(s) consist of the non-ionic surfactant and the two anionic surfactants.

10. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt(s) comprise one or more of a monovalent salt, a divalent salt, or combinations thereof.

11. Cleaning composition according to claim 10 wherein the salt(s) comprise the divalent salt, preferably the divalent salt comprises a calcium salt, more preferably the calcium salt comprises calcium chloride.

12. Cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt(s) are present in an amount of about 1% by weight to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

13. Cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the salt(s) comprise calcium chloride in an amount of 1% by weight to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

14. Cleaning composition according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the surfactant(s) comprise LAS, SLES and NEODOL® 91-8 in a ratio of about 3:3:2 to about 2:2:1, respectively, and wherein the salt(s) comprise calcium chloride, optionally in an amount from about 1% by weight to about 2% by weight.

15. A method for preparing the cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising bringing the surfactant system and the salt(s) into contact with each other.